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STERBUS
Solar Barbecue
(2022 - Zillion Watt Records  - Italy)

https://sterbus.bandcamp.com/album/solar-barbecue?fbclid=IwAR007YlDRRW6cKsIAZvD1djuhNYfw4UCyzUAo86rIb8Wj_6mXw-cmsdfzRU

  This 2022 full length by Sterbus kicks into high gear with a knockout array of styles in rapid succession, ranging from The Beatles, Cardiacs, and many avant to outright thick heavy chord progressions fit for fans of Fred Firth inspired masterpieces like Massacre. What a journey "Solar Barbecue" takes the listener on.  If one most referenced comparison can be named it would be Tim Smith (Cardiacs, among many other projects). Some may recall the previous Sterbus album "Let Your Garden Sleep In" (2021) was in itself quite a tribute to Tim. It is no secret that one of the reasons Sterbus got so recognized in the odd pop/rock/avant off kilter world is by being somewhat similar to Cardiacs and attracting fans of that very band. It is the fearless boundary surfing that gains the most praise here. Any former fan of composer, guitarist, vocalist, arranger Emanuele Sterbini (vocals, classical, acoustic and electric guitar, bass, synth strings) will not be disappointed with the fine skill set put forth.

That sound that Sterbus creates is paired with partner Dominique D'Avanzo (vocals, clarinet, flute) who adds the female touch to the ensemble. With her playful and absolute immaculate balance of harmony in all the right places, Dominique plays the role of the 'cannot exist without her' part. However on this album, it is a collection of instrumentals that Emmanuele put together with a few remakes of old tracks, where Dominique contributes her instrumental talents like recorder, clarinet, gong, tenor sax, etc. She does add vocals to the track "Razor Legs", (a track from “Real Estate/Fake Inverno” - 2018). You can find a song by song listing of all the musicians who played on this special release at the Bandcamp link I listed under the header of this review.  Be sure to BUY a download (CD is now sold out) to support this wonderful outfit.

 I spoke with Emmanuele about "Solar Barbecue" and he explained this was not really a greatest hits but a sampler for the thousands of people who are not familiar with the band. It is also a big thank you to all the fans who do know of the group. Some of the tunes are edited, and many are parts that formerly had no place just yet. Sterbini's last statement to me was "The core of Sterbus it's still me, the main songwriter, my significant other Dominique D'Avanzo, who writes lyrics and plays flute, clarinet, tenor sax and sings. Then Francesco, the producer, helped with cello, trumpet and trombone, and Riccardo is our keys player. The drummers are different for every tune, But one is Bob Leith from Cardiacs, which I adore!" For all who have hopes of brand new material to come, I was told they are always working on new material and at the moment, have enough to make four different albums.  Clearly this does indeed sound all new, and should be taken as a new recording full of grand ideas and performance.  RECOMMENDED!!!   

  ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 3 - 5 - 2023


 
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ACQUA FRAGILE
Moving Fragments
(2023 - Maracash - Italy)


https://maracashrecords.bandcamp.com/album/moving-fragments


  A group who have the uncanny talent of keeping their classic  sound along with staying up tpo date. This amazing return is from 1970's Italian progressive rock outfit, with frontier man lead vocal Bernardo Lanzetti, who made this band and some PFM albums so specifically brilliant. At this decade, to expect more beauty would be a fantasy, yet it is set before your ears, even with the first notes, this masterpiece of Italian, (and not only Italian) progressive rock that certainly grasps the notion of what the genre of "progressive" was always meant to be. ACQUA FRAGILE create another sweetly classic knockout recording, not with even a heavy breath of past to present effort.  In fact, it sounds and feels more authentic than ever.  Bernardo sounds as if he never aged a week, and all muscians present are at full force, not passing up the chance to make another massively classic album.   An album to put Acqua Fragile at the top of the few chosen progressive rock choices of all time. The first song ('Her Shadlows Torture' 05:52 - editors note:  A misspell on the 'Shadows' which is on Bandcamp at this writing - but is correct as 'Her Shadow's Torture' on physical CD)  hug you and give all relief, as to any possible doubts of a long awaited fourth album by this top notch Italian band. I claim it will leave your heart lay bleeding. Grab the spectral energy and enjoy a glimpse of beautiful cocoon birth.

  Not one song is with sacrifice, even a wink of lamb. In fact, some elements are added to further enchance and stun the audience, such as inclusive female vocals by Rossella Volta. The bulk of the outfit is Piero Canavera (drums, percussion, vocals),  Franz Dondi (bass), Bernardo Lanzetti (lead vocals, guitar, Glovox),  Stefano Pantaleoni (keyboards),  Claudio Tuma (guitars), with special aid by (aforementioned vocalist Rosella Voita) ,  Gigi Cavalli Cocchi - drums (1,6),  Sergio Ponti - drums (4,9), Stef Burns- guitar (2),  Brian Belloni - guitar (4),  Davide Piombino - 7 string guitar (5),  and David Jackson - sax & flute (6). Could you ask for more?   After one listen you cannot want more. Thank Maracash label (Italy) for standing behind so many great Italian artists who have done the blood, sweat, and tears in earlier years, and deserve the attention now.
Although the band name translates to 'Fragile Water', it might be better described as Precious Water at this point and time in our decreasingly cared for world. Perhaps even better, Rare Water. The beauty of this entire recording is apparent, true, sincere, and a step forward. Better than one would dream of, past the point of how all old fans could imagine, and  actually done in the upper atmospheres of what anyone could have dreamed of. Everyone is top notch and most of all, Lanzetti is 100% present, making it another masterpiece.  It is my deep recommendartion for all fans of both classic progressive rock and the new fields of progressive music to give this a direct and full attention (no distractions) listen. RECOMMENDED.
  ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 1 - 19 - 2024


 

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